AeroVironment’s Freedom Eagle FE-1 Chosen as U.S. Army’s Next-Generation Counter-Drone Missile

The U.S. Army has officially selected AeroVironment’s Freedom Eagle FE-1 as its Next-Generation Counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) Missile, under a $95.9 million contract awarded through the Long-Range Kinetic Interceptor (LRKI) program. The decision marks a major milestone in America’s effort to strengthen its layered air defense network against the rapidly growing threat of enemy drones.

Freedom Eagle FE-1 Drone Defense

Announced on October 22, 2025, AeroVironment confirmed that the Freedom Eagle FE-1 will serve as a low-cost interceptor designed specifically to destroy Group 2 and Group 3 drones, which include medium- to large-sized unmanned aircraft capable of carrying explosives or surveillance payloads.

The contract was awarded through the Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation and Missile Center (CCDC AvMC) using the Aviation and Missile Technology Consortium (AMTC) — a program that allows the Army to fast-track priority technologies and rapidly field them.

According to AeroVironment, production of the FE-1 will begin immediately, with deliveries planned to start within the next year.

How the Freedom Eagle FE-1 Works

The Freedom Eagle FE-1 is a kinetic interceptor missile, meaning it physically destroys its target through direct impact rather than explosive fragmentation. It uses a dual-thrust solid rocket motor that provides high acceleration and maneuverability, allowing it to engage fast-moving drones at varying altitudes and speeds.

The missile is equipped with an advanced electro-optical and infrared seeker that can autonomously track drones even under heavy electronic interference. Once launched, the FE-1 locks onto the target and adjusts its trajectory in real-time to ensure a kill.

Its modular design means the missile can be integrated with multiple launch platforms — from mobile ground vehicles and fixed-base systems to potentially shipborne launchers in the future.

Unlike larger surface-to-air missiles that cost millions of dollars each, the FE-1 is compact, affordable, and designed for mass production — making it ideal for countering swarm attacks.

Specifications and Capabilities

While many of the missile’s specifications remain classified, available information indicates the following:

• Type: Short-to-medium range Counter-UAS interceptor

• Target Classes: Group 2 and Group 3 drones (and smaller Group 1 threats)

• Propulsion: Dual-thrust solid rocket motor

• Range: Estimated 10–15 km (unconfirmed)

• Guidance: Multi-mode seeker (electro-optical/infrared)

• Warhead: Kinetic impact with proximity-fuse option

• Launch Platforms: Mobile, fixed, and networked C-UAS systems

• Estimated Unit Cost: Under $200,000 per missile

The missile’s low size, weight, and power (SWaP) profile allows it to be easily deployed in forward areas or mounted on lightweight tactical vehicles.

This combination of affordability and agility gives the Army a scalable solution to rapidly neutralize multiple drone threats without depleting expensive missile stockpiles.

Why the FE-1 Matters

The selection of the Freedom Eagle FE-1 reflects the Army’s urgent focus on layered air defense — combining radar, electronic warfare, directed-energy weapons (like lasers), and kinetic interceptors to cover all threat levels.

Small and medium drones have become a serious problem on modern battlefields, especially after being used in large numbers in Ukraine and the Middle East, where they have targeted armored vehicles, artillery, and logistics hubs.

High-end missile systems like the Patriot or NASAMS are too expensive to waste on small drones. The FE-1 fills this crucial gap — a fast, affordable interceptor that can be deployed in large numbers against drone swarms.

AeroVironment’s Expanding Role

AeroVironment, long known for its Switchblade loitering munitions and small unmanned aircraft systems, is now moving deeper into the missile defense market.

“The Freedom Eagle FE-1 represents a major step forward in defending U.S. forces from emerging aerial threats,” the company said in a statement. “It combines affordability, precision, and scalability — key elements in the future of air defense.”

By securing the FE-1 contract, AeroVironment joins a select group of defense manufacturers providing front-line counter-drone weapons for the U.S. military. This also diversifies the Pentagon’s supplier base at a time when demand for interceptors and drone-defense systems is skyrocketing.

Strategic Significance

The FE-1’s induction into the Army’s arsenal will bolster defenses across bases, forward operating positions, and high-value infrastructure. It also forms a bridge between small anti-drone systems (guns, lasers, RF jammers) and larger missile systems (such as Stinger or AIM-9X variants).

Experts note that a key feature of the LRKI program is “mass over cost” — the ability to deploy hundreds of interceptors without exhausting resources. This philosophy represents a shift toward attritable defense systems, where both the interceptor and the target are expendable.

In coming years, the FE-1 could become a standard interceptor not only for U.S. Army bases but also for allied forces seeking affordable, effective drone defense.